The WNBA apparently couldn't wait to announce the name of one of their newest expansion teams. The league made it official on Thursday, but fans knew what the team name would be on Tuesday because of an accidental leak.
Two days ago, fans noticed "Toronto Tempo" on the league's website under a dropdown menu featuring 14 teams. Tweets floated around on X (Twitter) speculating whether Tempo was going to be the team's name or if it was a placeholder. The league quickly removed the team name from the site, but it was too late.
The W releasing the Toronto Tempo team name on the site is very on brand. We need to demand better! pic.twitter.com/pQdh3MomvU
— WinsidrAryeh (@WinsidrAryeh) December 4, 2024
Wednesday came and went without an announcement from the league, but on Thursday, the WNBA confirmed what everyone suspected — the newest expansion team will indeed be named the Toronto Tempo.
Introducing @TempoBasketball
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 5, 2024
Tip-off 2026. pic.twitter.com/59M2V11Li0
WNBA announces Toronto Tempo as the name of Canada's expansion team
If you're wondering why the team name is Toronto Tempo, let Teresa Resch (president of the organization) explain the reasoning:
“Tempo is pace. It’s speed. It’s a heartbeat. And it’s what you feel when you step into the streets of this city, and in the energy of the people who call Canada home,” said Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo. “As Canada’s WNBA team, I know the Tempo will set our own pace, move at a championship cadence, and inspire people across this country.”
Ideas for the name poured in from across the globe as part of the "Name Your Team" program. The league said the name was chosen based on the responses received and "feedback and insights from a community council."
The Tempo's inaugural season will be in 2026, one season after the Golden State Valkyries make their debut. Portland's team, which doesn't yet have a name, will also debut in 2026. Hopefully, the league will do a better job at announcing that team name.
The leak doesn't diminish Canada's excitement about having its first-ever WNBA team. Expect the demand for season tickets to rival (and maybe even exceed) the historic demand for Valkyries tickets in the Bay Area.
The Tempo's next steps are releasing the logo and brand merchandise. Fans can sign up here to receive news about the team, including information about tickets.